Outback-Style Potato Soup Recipe

Potato soup is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for cold nights or any time you’re craving something warm and filling. Outback Steakhouse’s version of potato soup stands out with its rich flavors and delicious toppings, like bacon, cheese, and green onions. Whether you’re making a large batch for a family dinner or a cozy meal for two, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

The Outback-style potato soup is creamy, flavorful, and packed with savory goodness. It brings together the best of what a potato soup can be — rich, velvety, and satisfying. The key to making this recipe authentic is getting the balance of creaminess, seasoning, and texture just right. Let’s dive into how to make this Outback-inspired potato soup step by step.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get into the method of making Outback-Style Potato Soup from scratch. Below are detailed instructions to help guide you through each stage of the cooking process.

Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes

Start by preparing the potatoes. Scrub and peel the potatoes, then cut them into small cubes, about 1-inch in size. You don’t need to be overly precise, but try to make them uniform so that they cook evenly.

Once the potatoes are chopped, place them in a large bowl and set them aside. You can also keep them in water to prevent browning if you’re not using them immediately.

Step 2: Cooking the Bacon

In a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the diced bacon over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it becomes crispy and releases its fat, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Stir the bacon occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. Once the bacon is done, remove it from the pot and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease. Set it aside for garnish later.

Step 3: Sautéing the Onion and Garlic

In the same pot where you cooked the bacon, leave a little of the rendered bacon fat (about 1-2 tablespoons) to sauté the onions and garlic. If you prefer, you can drain the bacon fat and use butter instead.

Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté it over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Once the onions have softened, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the garlic becomes aromatic.

Step 4: Adding the Potatoes and Broth

Add the diced potatoes to the pot with the onions and garlic, stirring them to coat with the oil or butter. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme, stirring to combine.

Now, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once the broth reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Thickening the Soup

While the potatoes are simmering, you can prepare a thickening slurry to help create a creamy, smooth texture for your soup. In a small bowl, combine the flour with a bit of water (about 2-3 tablespoons) and whisk it together until it forms a smooth paste.

Once the potatoes are tender, carefully stir in the flour slurry to thicken the soup. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure the flour mixture integrates smoothly.

Step 6: Adding Cream and Milk

After the soup has thickened to your desired consistency, add the heavy cream and whole milk to the pot. Stir well to combine. Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

At this point, you can taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika to enhance the flavors if you think it needs it.

Step 7: Blending the Soup (Optional)

For an ultra-creamy texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. This will create a smooth consistency, while leaving some chunks of potato intact for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer about half of the soup to a countertop blender, then return it to the pot.

Blend only until smooth if you want a thicker soup, or blend it more for a velvety consistency. This step is optional, so if you prefer your soup to be chunkier, feel free to skip it.

Step 8: Final Adjustments

Once the soup has reached the perfect consistency, you can stir in the reserved crumbled bacon (leaving some for garnish). This will add extra flavor and texture to the soup.

If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out by adding more chicken or vegetable broth, a little at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step 9: Serving the Soup

Ladle the creamy potato soup into bowls, then garnish with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a handful of crumbled bacon. Finally, top it off with a sprinkle of green onions and parsley for a fresh burst of color and flavor.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips to make your Outback-Style Potato Soup even better:

1. Use Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best choice for potato soup because they have a high starch content, which makes them perfect for thickening and creating a creamy texture.

2. Add Cheese to the Soup: If you want to make your soup extra cheesy, feel free to stir in some shredded cheddar cheese while the soup is still hot. This will melt into the soup and make it even more delicious.

3. For a Lighter Version: You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce the richness without sacrificing too much flavor. Just be aware that the soup might be a little less creamy.

4. Vegan/Vegetarian Option: For a vegan version, substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon, and use plant-based milk and butter.

5. Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños when cooking the onions and garlic. This will add an extra layer of warmth to the soup.

6. Toppings Galore: Play around with toppings to personalize your soup. Crumbled potato chips, croutons, or even a drizzle of hot sauce can add an exciting twist.

Conclusion

Outback-Style Potato Soup is the perfect dish to bring warmth and comfort to your kitchen. With its rich, creamy texture, crispy bacon, and flavorful seasonings, it’s an irresistible recipe that’s easy to make at home. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a side dish to a hearty meal, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. By following this recipe, you’ll have a delicious, satisfying bowl of soup that rivals the famous Outback Steakhouse version.

Enjoy your homemade Outback-Style Potato Soup, and feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings and flavors. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any season!